If you ask any passionate wine drinker about California reds, Zinfandel might be the first varietal that comes to mind. But here in Amador County, there’s another star quietly making waves—and that’s Barbera. Known for its bright acidity, rich fruit character, and food-friendly versatility, Barbera is one of the most exciting varietals we produce at Scott Harvey Wines. And if you’re looking for the best expression of this noble grape? We believe you’ll find it right here in the Sierra Foothills.
Let’s explore why the best Barbera wine comes from Amador—and why Scott Harvey’s Barbera is winning over wine lovers one glass at a time.
The Italian Heritage Meets California Terroir
Barbera is a varietal with deep Italian roots, most famously grown in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. But in the 1970s, winemakers began to recognize Barbera’s potential in the rugged, high-elevation vineyards of Amador County. With long, sunny days, cool nights, and mineral-rich volcanic soils, this corner of the Sierra Foothills turned out to be the perfect place for Barbera to thrive.
At Scott Harvey Wines, our love affair with Barbera began decades ago. Founder and winemaker Scott Harvey trained in Germany and developed a deep appreciation for wines that show balance, elegance, and age-worthiness. That European influence is part of what sets our Barbera apart: we’re not just chasing big, jammy fruit—we’re crafting wines that highlight the varietal’s natural acidity, nuanced aromatics, and structured finish.
Why Amador Grows the Best Barbera Wine
So, what makes Amador County such a standout region for this under-the-radar varietal?
First, it’s all about the climate. Barbera vines love sunshine, and our warm days help ripen the fruit to perfection while maintaining freshness. But it’s the cool evening breezes that truly preserve the grape’s signature acidity. This temperature swing gives our Barbera balance: lush dark cherry and plum flavors framed by a lively, mouthwatering structure.
Second, our soils in the Shenandoah Valley—where Scott Harvey Wines sources much of its fruit—are incredibly well-drained and rocky. These conditions encourage the vines to work harder, producing concentrated berries with deep flavor intensity. That’s one reason why the best Barbera wine in California, and arguably the U.S., comes from this unique landscape.
And finally, experience matters. Scott Harvey has been working with Barbera for decades, pioneering its potential in Amador County long before it became trendy. His deep understanding of the varietal, paired with a European winemaking sensibility, allows him to coax both power and elegance from this expressive grape.
Scott Harvey Wines: Setting the Standard for California Barbera
We believe that the best Barbera wine combines vibrant fruit, balanced acidity, and a touch of spice, with enough structure to age gracefully—but also enough charm to enjoy right now. That’s exactly what you’ll find in every bottle of Scott Harvey Barbera.
Our flagship J&S Reserve Barbera, for example, is a perennial favorite in our tasting room. With notes of black cherry, cola, clove, and toasted oak, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes—from hearty pastas to grilled meats and aged cheeses. It’s a wine that impresses connoisseurs and welcomes casual wine drinkers alike.
We also offer single-vineyard expressions and library releases for those who want to explore the age-worthiness of Amador-grown Barbera. Year after year, guests at our Plymouth tasting room tell us it’s one of the most memorable wines of their visit—and we’re proud to share that experience with them.
Come Taste for Yourself
There’s a reason more and more wine lovers are discovering Barbera—and a reason they keep returning to Amador County to experience it. When made with intention and care, this varietal delivers elegance, character, and a delicious expression of place.
At Scott Harvey Wines, we’re proud to be stewards of Barbera’s future in California. We’re not just making wine; we’re crafting a legacy—one vintage at a time.
So whether you’re new to Barbera or already a devoted fan, we invite you to visit us in Amador County and taste for yourself why the best Barbera wine starts right here in our vineyards and ends in your glass.